Team Peugeot-Hansen scored a long overdue victory at the World RX of Canada, where Timmy Hansen took his first win of the season in an exciting encounter, however now the team look for their second win of the year at their second home event of the season at the World RX of France.
The Franco-Swedish outfit enjoyed a double podium at the World RX of Sweden and they are now well aware of the hard work ahead to take victory on their home soil, an achievement already set by Hansen who won the 2015 event and is now aiming to repeat that effort by taking victory this year. Sebastien Loeb is not only competing at his home event but also at a track he has already raced on and will no doubt be a threat to to take his first ever World RX win of the year. The former multiple WRC champion raced in the event back in 2013 and is aiming to make sure that he can top the podium this weekend in front of the home crowds. The Peugeot-Hansen Academy duo of Davy Jeanney and Kevin Hansen will also return to duty this weekend with both drivers aiming to reach the podium as well.
Team Principal Kenneth Hansen is aware of the pressure for the teams second home event of the calendar, “Lohéac is a big event for the entire team and we are totally focused on this important occasion. We’ve gone well there these past two years, especially in 2015 when Timmy came first.
“We obviously intend to do all we can to win there again. Timmy’s recent victory in Canada at the beginning of August was a big confidence booster but we remain acutely aware of how competitive this championship is. Competing in France adds to the pressure, too, but we see it as positive pressure because we will have plenty of support!”
Loeb is looking mforward to a competitive outing in Loheac, “The French round of the championship is obviously something special. For me, it will be one of the few venues I already knew before the start of the season. Having said that, the other drivers are so sharp that I don’t think it will make much of a difference.
“I have fond memories of my participation in 2013. It was my first taste of rallycross which is an extremely popular sport in this part of France. I think the circuit’s profile should suit the PEUGEOT 208 WRX and I hope we are competitive in front of our home crowd.”
Hansen is excited to be returning to the iconic French venue, Canada three weeks ago was perhaps the best performance I have ever posted in a final, so I’m feeling pumped up for Lohéac which is a circuit I have always enjoyed. It is quite special and, like many tracks, gives good grip, which is something I appreciate. The atmosphere is always unique, too, a bit like Le Mans. My win at Lohéac last year was simply unforgettable.”
